US President Donald Trump, with an executive order, suspended major sanctions and export duties against Russia under the Lindsey Graham Act, just days before they were due to take effect. Their effectiveness would have complicated his efforts to reduce diesel prices ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. The suspension concerns the law he signed last month, using an exemption clause in the legislation, which was strongly supported to punish Russia following the invasion of Ukraine by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who disappeared in July just days after returning from Kiev.

The measure codified and expanded sanctions against Moscow: the exceptions, however, are justified by the national interest, exempt Russian goods from duties, and suspend sanctions against individuals and entities, although pre-existing sanctions remain in place.

The United States, through various agencies, will monitor Russian oil purchases and attempts to circumvent sanctions, retaining the power to revoke exemptions if necessary. In the executive order, titled "Implementation of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026," Trump stated that he had submitted the required certification to Congress, along with a report explaining the reasons behind the decision. The order invokes Section 115 of the Graham Act, which authorizes the president to suspend sanctions against foreign entities, restrictions on individuals, and tariffs imposed by law, subject to compliance with the required reporting requirements.

“I have submitted to Congress my certification that granting this waiver is in the national interest of the United States at this time,” Trump said in the order, posted on the White House website.

The move comes as the Trump administration is under pressure for its approach to Russian energy exports and its efforts to address high fuel costs. The decision to suspend enforcement of some provisions of the new law also comes amid bipartisan criticism from lawmakers, who argue that loosening restrictions on Russian oil could provide Moscow with unexpected revenues even as its war against Ukraine continues.

The order, however, does not eliminate all U.S. sanctions currently in place against Russia. Trump explicitly stated that the Section 102(d) waiver would not affect sanctions and other measures imposed under previous executive orders targeting specific harmful foreign activities related to the Russian government. Existing measures, including those against individuals designated under the relevant executive orders, remain unchanged under the new order.

Russia, however, is rejoicing: "Donald Trump's decision to exempt Russia from major sanctions represents a new setback for Ukraine and a historic moment," said Vladimir Putin's chief economic negotiator.

(Unioneonline)

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